Conn. university creates AI learning to protect jobs. 'Empowering people, not replacing them'

Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant on Mar 18, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

HARTFORD, Conn. -- While many fear artificial intelligence is going to steal their jobs in the manufacturing sector, a Connecticut university has a different idea.

The truth is, “No, a person who understands AI is going to replace you in your job, ” said Jennifer Ricker, associate director of Southern Connecticut State University’s Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning.

To that end, the SCSU department will soon offer expanded workforce training in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to help meet Connecticut’s rapidly growing demand for AI-skilled workers.

As with dozens of other courses offered by OWLL, the micro-credential doesn’t result in college credit, but is designed to provide an advantage in the workforce.

It’s about “upscaling” the current workforce, Ricker said, noting that students in high school and college are already using artificial intelligence to different degrees.

“The young know better than the the people working the last 20 years,” Ricker said. “How do we make sure people now have an understanding?”

Ricker said AI will soon be playing a huge role in manufacture of goods in all areas, including quality control, safety, production, efficiency.

Managers and those who work on the floor will turn to AI for fast answers, questions that used to take a week to calculate or answer will soon take minutes.

OWLL Director Amy Feest said AI has the ability to look beyond what humans can and “almost looks at stuff from a super human capacity.”

Ricker said, for instance, there’s an artificial intelligence platform that will send an email if a machine used in production makes an unusual sound. That sound possibly indicating a malfunction, might not be noticed so quickly by the humans working, she said.

The SCSU directors said the goal is to offer courses that are industry specific.

The latest enhancement of Southern’s existing AI in manufacturing program was made possible by funding through the Connecticut’s Tech Talent Accelerator.

Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement through SCSU, “AI is reshaping many sectors of our economy, and Connecticut is ensuring our workers and students are prepared to lead in this new era.”

“By investing in AI education and workforce training through the Tech Talent Accelerator, we are strengthening our talent pipeline, supporting Connecticut businesses, and creating opportunities for everyone to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs,” he said.

According to state workforce data provided to the Courant by SCSU, nearly 11,000 Connecticut job postings since August 2024 have required AI skills, a 40 percent increase over the previous year.

The expanded program is geared to prepare current and future manufacturing professionals to understand, evaluate, and apply AI-enabled tools in production environments, from predictive maintenance and quality inspection to workflow optimization and data-driven decision-making, according to SCSU.

An addition to the program includes a new course, Quantum in Manufacturing 101, which introduces foundational quantum computing concepts and will look at how emerging quantum technologies could influence advanced manufacturing systems.

Thomas Sadowski, SCSU lead instructor for Quantum in Manufacturing, emphasized the importance of preparing the workforce for what’s next.

“By equipping manufacturing professionals with practical skills in artificial intelligence and emerging quantum technologies, we are helping today’s workforce adapt to rapid technological change while positioning Connecticut’s manufacturers for long-term competitiveness and innovation,” Sadowski said in a statement.

OWLL also is partnering with industry leaders on the curriculum, according to SCSU. Industry partner Nucor Wire Products will help review content, provide operational examples and case studies, and enroll employees in the pilot cohort, according to SCSU.

Matthew Behar, lead instructor for AI in Manufacturing, emphasized the program’s workforce-centered focus.

“This initiative is about empowering people, not replacing them,” Behar said. “By investing in reskilling and upskilling, we’re giving manufacturing professionals the tools to work alongside advanced technologies and continue adding value as the industry evolves.”